BELFAST AIRPORT GUIDE (BFS)

QUICK FACTS Name: Belfast International Airport IATA Code: BFS ICAO Code: EGAA Opened: 1917 Terminals: 1 Runways: 1 Destinations served: 35 Passengers: 4.5m (2009)

 

HISTORY

The history of Belfast Airport dates back to 1917 when the site of the airport was chosen to be used as a training area for the Royal Flying Corps. After the end of the First World War, the site began to be used for civil purposes as of 1922. Flights were conducted to cities within England and Scotland and these services gradually expanded. However, upon the outbreak of the Second World War the purpose of Belfast Airport changed yet again. The airport became an RAF base which was capable of storing bigger aircraft suited to long range flying. During this period in the airport’s history, the four runways that were in use were replaced by two runways that were paved and much longer in length. The site of these two runways has remained in use until this day.
 
After the Second World War, Belfast Airport, or Aldergrove Airport as it was known, reverted to catering for civil air traffic. By the early 1960s a new terminal was built which contained a host of passenger facilities and Belfast Airport parking was also provided.
 
One of the biggest upgrades to Belfast Airport parking occurred in the early 1970s. During this time an international pier was built with a number of modern amenities. Additionally Belfast Airport parking spaces and facilities were also increased and improved in order to manage more vehicles. By 1983 the airport was renamed Belfast International Airport and it was capable or servicing approximately two million passengers per year as well as having the capacity to operate in all weather conditions.
 
In 1994 the airport was privatized and in the late 1990s the airport received a boost with the introduction of low cost airlines flying around Europe. The airport now serves almost five million passengers per year and as a result it needs to have decent Belfast Airport parking facilities. The Belfast Airport parking facilities have been constantly improved throughout the history of the airport and now Belfast Airport houses over 8,000 parking spaces for all manner of vehicles. With the gradual expansion of Belfast Airport parking facilities there are now several options available to suit every traveler. Passengers can choose from short stay, main stay and even long stay Belfast Airport parking options.
 
The latest addition to the Belfast Airport parking amenities occurred in June 2010 when a new drop-off zone was created which allows passengers to be dropped off quickly at the front of the complex.